16.08.2013
Rural Affairs Conference Aims to Enable Parishes Help Rural Families and Communities
The Cashel, Ferns and Ossory Committee for Social Affairs has organised a day conference aimed at clergy and people concerned for rural Ireland. “Caring for Rural Communities in Times of Change: A Church of Ireland Response” takes place on Saturday October 12 2013 at Horse and Jockey, Co Tipperary.
A very strong line up of speakers will, it is hoped, inform and enable those who attend, and send them away with ideas for their own parishes. It is particularly hoped that Mothers’ Union branches, who have a special concern for families, homes and communities, will be strongly represented.
The conference timetable is:
10.30 Coffee
Morning Session: Rural Challenges
10.50 Opening reflection
11.00 Matt Dempsey – Irish Farmers’ Journal
11.40 Kieran Stafford – National Vice–President, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
12.20 Bernie Caroll/Louise Ryan – National Office for Suicide Prevention
13.00 Lunch
Afternoon session: Rural Responses
13.45 Kathleen Lynch TD – Minister of State for Disability, Equality
and Mental Health
14.25 Charles Smith, Chief Executive, Farming Community Network UK
15.05 John Evoy, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Men’s Sheds Association
15.45 Closing reflections
The conference is free for anyone who wishes to attend, but places must be booked to facilitate catering. Please contact Ian Poulton at ianpoulton@gmail.com or at The Rectory, Portlaoise Road, Mountrath, Co Laois, not later than Saturday October 5, if you hope to attend.